Livermore Valley Wine Country

From Mendocino to the Temecula Valley, California’s wine industry continues to expand. According to the Wine Institute by 2017, the state had registered 127 American Viticultural Area’s, or regions recognized for growing grapes. Travel anywhere within the U.S. and you will find California wines on the menu. Living in the Bay Area, we’re lucky enough to be a day trip …

Market Tavern

Don’t get confused if you set your GPS to Dublin’s Market Tavern and think you walked into a wine country eatery. The new restaurant that took over the former Mimi’s Cafe location in the Hacienda Shopping Center is reminiscent of a Napa restaurant. It includes a small grocery where you can buy a bottle of wine, gourmet cheese, snacks as well as …

Lily’s Spirited Dining

The second of three eateries planned for the Pleasanton Hotel, Lily’s Spirited Dining, pays homage to the town’s fascination with the paranormal.  Patrons will be thrilled that the old, musty smells that haunted the building for decades are gone. The dining room, which is to the left when you enter the hotel, now possesses an elegant ambiance that lends itself well for …

Albatross

Aiming to give the oft-maligned Albatross a fresh chapter in its lonely tale, Danville’s new restaurant with the same name celebrates the journey that the bird capable of circumnavigating the globe in 46 days takes with an eclectic menu that will both surprise and delight.  Many items on Albatross’ menu are meant to be enjoyed as tapas, and if you’ve …

Hideout Kitchen

From hotcakes and omelets at breakfast to pasta puttanesca and blackened salmon at dinner, Lafayette’s Hideout Kitchen dishes up superb offerings that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. An order of mussels and clams is a perfect start to a cool evening. Word of warning, you’re going to need extra bread to soak up the garlic, onion, white …

Hops and Sessions

It appears that self-serve tap rooms are the new rage. If you haven’t tried one yet, check out Livermore’s Hops and Sessions where you can see a game from every seat in the house while spending time perfecting your pouring skills.  Check in at the front counter for your wristband, which is needed for both beer and food purchases. All …

Fall Running Tips

The telltale signs are here. Leaves are starting to glow brilliant orange and red colors, mornings are a little crisper and evening arrives earlier each passing day.  Whether adjusting to the new season means savoring everything pumpkin spice or getting ready for a fall/winter race, here are some tips to make your autumn runs happier. Buddy Up If summer vacation …